Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a moist, easy-to-make cake. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests. With its creamy frosting, chunks of Reese’s cups, and chocolate ganache, this cake stands out as a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With a box mix as the base, this recipe takes minimal effort and time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a rich taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings.
- Showstopper Appearance: Topped with chopped Reese’s cups and drizzled with ganache, it looks as good as it tastes.
- Large Servings: This recipe makes enough to serve 20 people, making it ideal for sharing.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Poking tool (a wooden skewer or fork)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process, ensuring a well-blended batter.
- Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect for creating an evenly baked cake.
- Poking tool: Essential for creating holes in the cake for soaking up the delicious chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups (295ml) milk (I used skim, whatever you have is good)
- 1/2 cup (135g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
- 1 box yellow cake mix
For the Ganache
- 1/2 cup (118ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 4 oz (114g) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (201g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (56g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk or heavy whipping cream
- 4 Tbsp (57g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups (113-169g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
To Garnish
- Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped)
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and peanut butter.
2. Mix using an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
Step 4: Poke Holes in the Cake
Using a wooden skewer or fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Make sure to poke deep enough for the ganache to seep into.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan:
1. Heat heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it simmers.
2. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
Step 6: Pour Ganache Over Cake
Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the poked cake while it’s still warm. Ensure it seeps into all holes.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In another mixing bowl:
1. Beat together cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing until fluffy.
3. Add milk or heavy whipping cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost Your Cake
Spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 9: Garnish
Top with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups for extra decoration and flavor.
Now your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is ready to serve! Enjoy this decadent treat at your next gathering!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging on a cozy evening, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the cake.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this adds an extra layer of decadence.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the dense cake beautifully.
- Chocolate Whipped Cream: Enhances the chocolate flavor for a double treat.
Garnished with Fruit
- Sliced Bananas: Adds a fruity sweetness that contrasts nicely with the peanut butter.
- Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries bring a tartness that cuts through the richness.
As Party Favors
- Individual Servings: Cut into small squares and place in cupcake liners for easy sharing.
- Cake Jars: Layer pieces of cake with frosting in mason jars for a cute and portable dessert option.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
Perfecting your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Poke Holes Generously: Make sure to poke enough holes so that the ganache seeps into the cake effectively.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the cake to chill enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with Frosting Flavors: Try using different types of frosting, like chocolate or vanilla, for variety.
- Add Extra Toppings: Consider drizzling more chocolate or adding crushed Reese’s cups on top before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
To complement your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake, consider these side dishes that balance its rich flavors nicely.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add an extra touch of sweetness alongside the cake.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cake.
- Milkshakes: A creamy shake enhances the dessert vibe and aids in cooling down rich flavors.
- Cheesecake Bites: These little treats provide a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage is perfect for cutting through the richness while offering comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Poking holes too deep: If you poke holes that are too deep, the ganache can seep through entirely. Aim for a gentle poke, just enough to let the chocolate soak in.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool completely before adding toppings is essential. This prevents melting and ensures better texture.
- Using cold cream cheese: Starting with cold cream cheese can create lumps in your frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth finish.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is an exact science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure balance in flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The cake will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slice by slice for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat with a lid, warming gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake from scratch?
You can replace the yellow cake mix with homemade cake batter using flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. Follow the same poking and topping instructions.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add an interesting texture and flavor contrast in your Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake.
What types of frosting work best with this cake?
While peanut butter chocolate frosting is ideal, you could also use whipped cream or vanilla frosting as alternatives.
Can I customize my Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake?
Absolutely! You can add different candies or nuts on top or even swap out the chocolate ganache for caramel sauce.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free blend designed for baking cakes without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake is not only delicious but also easy to make. Its rich flavors combine perfectly for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 20 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake. This moist and decadent cake marries the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration. With a dreamy chocolate ganache that seeps into each poke and a fluffy peanut butter frosting topped with chopped Reese’s cups, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Easy to prepare using a box mix, it offers a delightful treat that serves up to 20 people, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 Tbsp milk or heavy whipping cream (for frosting)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder (for frosting)
- Chopped Reese's peanut butter cups (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes across the surface.
- Prepare the ganache by heating cream until simmering; stir in chocolate chips until melted.
- Pour ganache over the warm cake so it seeps into the holes.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese with peanut butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake and top with chopped Reese's cups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
